Cylinder supporting and protecting device



March 16, 1943 2,313,965

CYLINDER SUPPORTINGAND PROTECTING DEVICE R. c. IPIERSON ETAL 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS RALPH C. PIERSON WILLIS G. SCHEPMAN ATTORNEY March 16,1943. R. c. PIERSON ETAL CYLINDER SUPPORTING AND PROTECTING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March I6, 1940 INVENTORS RALPH C. PIERSON N A M P E H C S G 5 L H W BY I 4.

ATTORNEY Patented liar. 16, 1943,

Ralph C. Pierson and Willis G. Schepman, Indianapolis, Ind., assignors to Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corporation, a corporation of New York Application March is, 1940, Serial No. 324,444

19 Claims. (01.312-101) This invention relates to fluid-dispensing equipment and more particularly to supporting and protecting means for a plurality of cylinders containing compressed gases.

Extensive use is made of industrial gases such as propane, acetylene, oxygen, and the like, contained in steel cylinders located out-of-doors at the point of use. Such cylinders of compressed fuel gases, besides having many industrial uses, are widely employed for heating purposes in dwellings located beyond theusual gas mains. The cylinders are ordinarily located out-ofdoors to comply with fire regulations and it is necessary that the cylinders and auxiliary, distribution equipment, such as pressure regulators,

valves, and the like, be protected properly fromadverse weather conditions and unauthorized tampering. The cylinders are usually provided in pairs so that a full cylinder may be kept in reserve while the other is in service.

Steel cabinets, which were formerly employed to completely house the cylinders, are no longer generally used because of their expensive and cumbersome nature. ample protection may be provided by a device having domes or hoods for enclosing the upper portions of the cylinders and for protecting the It has been found that pressure regulator, valves, and other equipment.

Such a device is considerably less expensive, oifers ample protection, and facilitates replacement of cylinders and adjustment of the distribution equipment.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide an improved supporting and protecting device for cylinders containing fluids under pressure; to provide a cylinder supporting and protecting device that is rigid, durable, and of simplified construction, which may be manufactured at moderate cost; to provide such a protecting device wherein the parts contribute to the formation of a reinforced structure, and

at the same time provide protection against climatic conditions and unauthorized handling; to provide such a device which may be mounted directly against a suitable wall surface or which may be made entirely self-sustaining; to-provide a supporting structure having a single hinged dome for a pair of cylinders, with means for holding the dome in lifted position, and with means for sustaining the dome in lowered position. These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

.Fig. l is a perspective view of the improved supporting and protecting device, with the dome in raised position and with one cylinder shown in position;

Fig. 2 is a. vertical sectional view of the upper portion of the device taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 3, the dome being shown in lowered position;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2:

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail perspective view of the arrangement employed for pivoting the dome to the supporting structure; and

Fig. 5 is an end elevational view of the improved device showing the manner in whichit may be secured to a wall or other vertical surface.

Generally speaking, the improved protecting device comprises a base or platform adapted to support a pair of upright cylinders. A plurality of spaced uprights extend upwardly from the base adjacent to the respective cylinders. A single dome or hood, mova ly mounted at the top portion of the upright may be raised to expose the top portions of the cylinders or lowered to cover the top portions of the cylindersand to protect a pressure regulator, distribution valves, and similar equipment. Additional protection and reinforcement of the parts is effected by the use of a bracket plate which joins the uprights near the upper extremity and shields the regulator and its associated equipment.

Referring again to the drawings and more particularly to Fig. 1, the invention comprises a base B, of material such as wood, or the like, preferably of generally rectangular shape, which base is adapted to rest uponthe ground and to support at each end an upright fluid-containing cylinder. -A hood or dome D is supported above the base B by suitable frame means F in a position to cover and enclose the tops of the cylinders C and the accessories between them. The frame means F'preferably comprises a bracket plate P which is supported adjacent to the tops of the cylinders, as by a plurality of uprights U secured at their lower ends to the base B. If desired, one or more of the uprights U may be omitted, and if desired, the bracket plate P may be attached directly to a vertical wall, as explained hereinafter. A hinge H pivotally connects the hood or dome D to the ,top of the frame means I".

The hood or dome D is firmly supported above the cylinders C by a plurality of rear uprights or posts H, such as steel angle bars, secured in 24, and if desired, may be spaced relation along the back or rear longitudinal edge of the base B, as shown in Fig, 1. Additional support and protection is provided by a front upright or column l2, preferably of light sheet steel of channel cross section, whichextends upwardly from a forward part of the base at a point between the two cylinders C. One or more of the uprights U forming the frame means F may be reinforced by a forwardly inclined cross brace l3 which is attached at its lower extremity to a point on the base B adjacent to the bottom ofat least one of the uprights U, while extending diagonally upward so as to connect with another of the uprights U near the top thereof.

The bracket plate P comprises a vertical portion or apron l4 extending crosswise between the two rear uprights or posts II and depending part way down from the tops thereof. The apron H is bolted or otherwise secured to the rear flanges of the angles forming the posts I! and preferably is substantially aligned vertically with the rear edge of the base B. The bracket plate P also comprises a horizontal plate l5 which extends forwardly from the apron l4 and passes between the respective cylinders C, as indicated in Fig. 3. The lower edge of the apron It may be flanged upwardly and the sides of the plate |5 may be flanged downwardly as shown in Fig. l, to reinforce the respective members. The forward end of the plate I5, that is, the end opposite the apron I4, is attached-to and is supported by the column [2 at a point near the top thereof.

The hood D is, hinged at the top of the posts preferably by means of a cross arm IE, such as a light steel member of substantially Z section, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4. The arm l6 extends across the tops of the posts II, and if desired may project horizontally a slight distance beyond each post. Hinge elements H are formed on the cross arm I6, preferably near each end thereof, so as to be adjacent to the uprights thereby providing maximum rigidity. As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, each hinge element l1 may comprise a lug |8 integral with and bent forwardly from each end of the arm l6. Each lug I8 is provided with a pivot aperture IQ for cooperative relation with a pivot rod 2| of the hood D as will more fully hereinafter appear.

The hood D comprises a protective cover for the upper portion of the cylinders and the associated distribution equipment and preferably is stamped from a single sheet of metal. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the hood D comprises a substantially flat top portion 22 which may be made so as to slope in a forwardv direction to shed water. A'skirt 23 depends from the top portion 22 at least about the front and end portions thereof. The hood preferably is open at the back so as to obviate interference between the parts when the hood is lifted. A hinge bracket 24 is bolted or otherwise secured to the top portion 22 of the hood D near each end thereof, and is provided with a pivot rod aperture. Each bracket extends forwardly from the rear portion of the hood in a position to cooperate with the lugs l8, so that when the hood is properly located, the pivot rod aperture in each bracket 24 is aligned with the adjoining aperture IS. The pivot rod 2| is disclosed as a flat metallic bar projecting upwardly toward the top portion 22 from a point at the rear of the end skirt portion 23. The upper extremity of the rod 2| is bent so as to pass through the opening in the bracket end of the rod 2| projects through the pivot aperture l9, permitting the hood D topivot with respect to the hinge element IT. The hood D pivots about a point adjacent to the back and top thereof, so that as the hood D is lifted, no portion thereof projects backwardly beyond the apron l4, as would occur if the hood were hinged near the bottom of the skirt portion. By this arrangement the device may be located directly adjacent to a wall and the hood may be lifted freely, without causing any interference either i with the wall or with the remaining portions of r the structure.

welded thereto. lhe

repairs.

Provision is made for holding the hood in open or raised position and for locking the hood in closed or lowered position. The aperture I9 is provided with an elongated slot 25 substantially equal in width to the thickness of the rod 2|. The slot 25 is disposed so that when the hood D is raised to the open position shown in Fig. 4, it latches by virtue of pivot rod 2| falling into and engaging the walls of slot 25. Accordingly, the

hood may be maintained in the raised position while exposing the tops of the cylinders and the pressure-reducing apparatus, thereby allowing an attendant to make necessary replacement or Notches 26 are provided in the end skirt portions near the hinges to permit a distribution pipe 44 to extend from beneath the hood D, as will appear.

A bearing plate 21 is secured within the hood D at the forward or free portion thereof. The plate 21 consists of a vertical member substantially aligned with the column l2, and a horizontal portion adapted to form a bearing surface which abuts against the top of the column l2 when the hood is in closed position. Locking lugs 28 and 29 are secured respectively to the column l2 and the bearing plate 21, which lugs cooperate when the hood is in closed position to receive the yoke of a padlock 3|. The engagement of the forward end of the hood D with the top of the column l2 by means of the bearing plate 21, retains the hood firmly in lower position and definitely limits the downward pivoting motion of the hood.

Where a vertical wall W is available, against which the protecting device may be secured, the posts ll may be eliminated, as shown in Fig. 5. Vertical cleats 32 may be attached at the back of each post H to reinforce the upper portion of the frame F, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. These cleats perform the additional function of spacing the apron M from the wall W when the device is assembled, as shown in Fig. 5, thereby allowing free ventilation between the wall W and the apron I4 and avoiding the accumulation of rain water and other foreign material behind the apron. 1

When the hood is in the closed position a substantially completely enclosed chamber 33 is formed by the hood D, cylinder C, the bracket plate P, the cross arm Hi, the bearing plate 21, and the upper portion of the column l2, as shown in Fig. 2. The chamber 33 provides a suitable location for the pressure regulator R and its associated equipment, where such equipment is amply protected from weather condltions and from tampering by unauthorized persons. The regulator R is mounted in front of and closely adjacent to the apron It in any convenient manner. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the regulator may be bolted to a forward extension 34 on the cross arm l6.

Manual or automatic means may be provided 2,818,965 ior selectively connecting the regulator inlet with one or the other of the cylinders C. A suitable automatic change-over valve 35, e. g., one of the type shown in H. cation Serial No. 155,691, filed July 31, 1937, now U. S. Patent No. 2,197,144, dated April 16, 1940, may be employed if desired. Such an automatic valve 35 connects the inlet of the regulator R W. Carries appli-v with the service cylinder until such cylinder becomes substantially empty, at which time connection is made automatically with the reserve cylinder. A manually operable cam lever 36 is manipulated by the service attendant-to close the connection to the empty cylinder when re- 1 placing it with a full cylinder. Cylinder leads 31, comprising small diameter copper tubing, extend from the usual cylinder valve and discharge fittings of the respective cylinders to the inlet chamber of the change-overvalve 35. If

the flow of compressed fluids from the respective 8 chamber 33, preferably below the regulator, as

shown in Fig. 1.

The column it may serve as a vertical panel to support a Pressure gauge 38. The column i2 is provided with a central aperture to receive the gauge 38; the usual threaded inlet connection 39 may be employed to assist in holding the gauge .in position, with its-face exposed outwardly, by passing the inlet connection through an ear 4| punched'from the cross brace l3, as'shown in Fig. 2. Lock nuts or other similarmeans may be employed in attaching the inlet connection 39 to the ear M in the manner shown. Means are provided for operatively connecting the gauge 38 with the gas distribution system to indicate a pressure condition therein. In the arrangement disclosedv in Figs. 1 and ,2, a tube 42 connects gauge 38 with the valve 35- so as to render the gauge in communication with the compressed fluid from the cylinder in service. Where the change-over. from a service cylinder to a reservecylinder is effected manually, or even with the automatic valve 35, .the tube 42 may extend to the inlet connection of the regulator R. Compressed fluid,

discharged at reduced pressure from the back of theregulator R passes through the usual mercury seal 43'. with the discharge fittingof the mercury. seal 43, and extends from the hood D in a straight path through recess 26.

It is apparent that when the hood is in the lowered position it is firmly supported at both the front and rear portions. Hinging the hood adjacent the ends thereof provides for maximum rigidity of the pivotal support. The frame F is reinforced against end play by the wide spacing between the uprights l-l and by the reinforcement resulting from theapron M at the upper portion of the posts ll. Forward and backward motion of the supporting structure is obviated by the use of the diagonal cross brace A distribution pipe 4| connects.

is open, the space adjacent to the back is substantially closed by the apron it when the hood is in the closed position.

Various modifications of the herein disclosed invention may be made without sacrificing its advantages or departing from the principles.

thereof.

We claim:

1. In a support and protector for cylinders, the combination comprising a base for supporting at opposite ends-thereof :1. cylinders; 'a columnextending upwardly from said base at a forward position intermediate the ends thereof; movable hood-shaped means; sup portingmeans to which said hood-shaped means is connected for vertical movement; said hoodshaped' means being adapted when in a lower position to cover the top portions of said cylinders, and when in a raised position to expose the top portions of said cylinders, the front portion of said hood-shaped means being adapted when -in said lower position to be supported by said column.

2. A support and protector for cylinders comprising a base for supporting a pair of upright cylinders; hood-shaped means; frame means for supporting said hood-shaped means above said base in position to cover the top portions of said cylinders, including a hinge for connecting said hood-shaped means with said frame means, whereby said-hood-shaped means may be raised and lowered relative to said cylinders; said frame means including a column extending upwardly from said base to a point adjacent to the tops of said cylinders, said column being adapted to engage the tree portion of said, hood-shaped means opposite said hinge to sustain said hood-shaped means in thelower position.

3. A support and protector for cylinders comprising a base for supporting a pair of upright cylinders; hood-shaped means; frame means for supporting said hood-shaped means above said base in position to cover the top portions of said means inthe lower position, tector including a bracket I3. The regulator, change-over valve. mercury cylinders, including a hinge for connecting said D hood-shaped means with said frame means.

whereby said hood-shaped means may be raised .and lowered relative to said cylinders; said frame means including a column extending upwardly from said base to a point adjacent to the tops of said cylinders, said column being adapted to engage thefree portion of said hood-shaped means opposite said hinge to sustain said hood-shaped said support and proon said hood-shaped means located inwardly from the edge thereof for engagement with the top of said column.

4. A cylinder-supporting and protecting device comprising a base adapted to support a pair of upright cylinders; a plurality of spaced uprights extending upwardly from said base to a region adjacent to the tops of said cylinders; hoodshaped means for covering the tops of said cylinders; and hinge means for pivotally supporting said hood-shaped means adjacent to the top of at least one of said uprights, whereby said hoodshaped means may beswung upwardly to expose the-tops of said cylinders, the free portion of said hood-shaped means being adapted to engage another of said uprights to limit the downward swinging movement of said hood-shaped means. v

5. A cylinder-supporting and protecting device comprising a base adapted to support a pair of upright cylinders; a plurality of spaced uprights extending upwardly from said base 'to'a region adpair of adjoining'upright jacent to the tops of said cylinders; hood-shaped means for covering the tops of said cylinders; and hinge means for pivotally supporting said hoodshaped means adjacent to the top of at least one of said uprights, whereby said hood-shaped means may be swung upwardly to expose the tops of said cylinders, the free portion of said hoodshaped means being adapted to engage another of said uprights to limit the downward swinging movement of said hood-shaped ineans; said cylinder-supporting and protecting device including a braceadapted to extend between said cylinders from said base at a point adjacent to the bottom of one of said uprights diagonally upward to'a point adjacent to the top of another of said uprights. 6. A cylinder-supporting and protecting device comprising a base adapted to support a pair of upright cylinders; a plurality of spaced uprights extending upwardly from said base to a region adjacent to the tops of said cylinders; hood-shaped means for covering the tops of said cylinders; and hinge means for pivotally supporting said hood-shaped means adjacent to the top of at least one of said uprights, whereby said hood-shaped means may be swung upwardly to expose the tops of said cylinders, the free portion of said hood-shaped means being adapted to engage another of said uprights to limit the downward swinging movement of said hood-shaped means; said cylinder-supporting and protecting device including a latch adjacent to and forming a part of said hinge means for holding said hoodshaped means in the upper position.

7. Cylinder-supporting and protecting means comprising a base adapted to sustain a pair of upright cylinders; post means extending upwardly from points spaced along the'back of said base; a generally horizontal cross arm joining the top portions of said post means; a hood hinged to said cross arm adjacent to opposite ends thereof, said hood extending forwardly from said cross arm and being adapted in its normal position to cover the top portions of said pair of upright cylinders; and means for supporting the forward part of said hood in said normal position in spaced relation above said base, said means comprising a column extending vertically upward to a region adjacent to the tops of said cylinders from a forward portion of the base intermediate the positions occupied by said cylinders.

8. Cylinder-supporting and protecting means comprising a base adapted to sustain a pair of upright cylinders; post means extending upwardly from points spaced along the back of said base; a generally horizontal cross arm joining the top portions of said post means; a hood hinged to said cross arm adjacent to opposite ends thereof, said hood extending forwardly from said cross arm and being adapted in its normal position to cover the top portions of said pair of upright cylinders; and means for supporting the forward part of said hood in said normal position in spaced relation above said base, said means comprising a column extending vertically upward to a region adjacent to the tops of said cylinders from a forward portion of the base intermediate the positions occupied by said cylinders; comprising a substantially flat top portion, and skirt portions depending substantially equal distances from the front and ends only of said top portion, said front portion overhanging said column.

9. A supporting and protecting device for cylinder installations comprising a'Lbase adapted to said hood support a pair of upright fluid-containing cylinders; at least one upright extending vertically upward from said base at a point intermediate the location of said cylinders; hood-shaped means; and means supporting said hood-shaped means, on which supporting means said hood-shaped means is mounted for vertical movement relative to the upper end of said upright and adapted when in lowered position to cover the top portions of said cylinders, and when in raised position to expose the top portions of said cylinders; said'upright being provided with means for supporting a pressuregauge in position to be visible when said hood-shaped means is in the lowered position.

10. A cylinder supporting and protecting device comprising a base for supporting a pair of upright fluid-containing cylinders adjacent to one another; a pair of posts extending upwardly from points spaced along the back edge of said base; an apron extending between said posts partway down from the tops of said posts; a generally horizontal plate extending forwardly from said apron; a hood for covering the top portions of said cylinders, said hood comprising a flat top portion, and skirt portions depending from the front and ends of said top portion; cooperative hinge elements supported by said posts and by the rear portion of said hood respectively, whereby said hood may swing about said hinge elements in a vertical plane; said apron, hood, and plate cooperating to form a substantially enclosed chamber adapted to house a pressure regulator.

11. A cylinder supporting and protecting device comprising a base for supporting a pair of upright fluid-containing cylinders adjacent to one another; a pair of posts extending upwardly from points spaced along the back edge of said base; an apron extending between said posts partway down from the tops of said posts; a generally horizontal plate extending forwardly from said apron; a hood for covering the top portions of said cylinders, said hood comprising a fiat top portion, and skirt portions depending from the front and ends of said top portion; cooperative hinge elements supported by said posts and by the rear portion of said hood respectively, whereby said hood may swing about said hinge elements in a vertical plane; said apron, hood, and plate cooperating to form a substantially enclosed chamber adapted to house a pressure regulator; said device including a generally horizontal cross arm extending between and projecting beyond said posts at the top portion thereof, and said hinge elements comprising lug formed adjacent the ends of said cross arm and cooperative elements received within said hood adjacent to said end skirt portions.

12. A cylinder-supporting and protecting device comprising a base for supporting a pair of upright cylinders adjacent to one another; a pair of posts extending upwardly from points spaced along the back edge of said base; an apron extending between said posts partway down from the tops of said posts; a generally horizontal plate extending forwardly from said apron; a hood for covering the top portions of said cylinders, said hood comprising a top portion, and skirt portions depending from said top portion;

cooperative hinge elements supported by said posts and by the rear portion of said hood respectively, whereby said hood may swing about said hinge elements in a vertical plane; and a column extending upwardly from said base at a point substantially intermediate said cylinders, said column connecting with the end of said plate the forward portion of said hood and limit the downward swinging movement thereof.

13. A cylinder supporting and protecting device comprising a base for supporting a pair of upright fluid-containing cylinders adjacent to one another; a pair of posts extending upwardly from points spaced along the back edge of said base; an apron extending between said posts partway dofwn from the tops of. said posts; a generally horizontal plate extending forwardly from said apron; a hood for covering the top portions of said cylinders, said-hood comprising a top portion, and skirt portions depending from said top portion; said apron, plate, and hood cooperating to form with said cylinders a substantially enclosed chamber; cooperative hinge elements supported by said posts and by the rear portion of said hood respectively, whereby said hood may swing about said hinge elements in a vertical plane; means for securing a pressure regulator in front of said apron at a point above said plate and below 'said hood so as to locate said regulator within said chamber; a column extending up wardl-y from the forward portion of said base at a point substantially intermediate said cylinders, said column connecting with the end of said plate opposite said apron and being adapted to support the forward portion of said hood and limit the downward swinging movement thereof; and means for mounting a pressure gauge on said column in position to be visible at all times from the front of said device for indicating a pressure condition of said cylinders.

14. A cylinder-supporting and protecting device comprising a basefor receiving a pair of adjacent upright cylinders; a bracket plate adjacent to thetops of said cylinders having a vertical portion substantially aligned with the back edge of said base, and a horizontal portion extending forwardly from said vertical portion and adapted to pass between said cylinders; a plurality of uprights comprising a pair of spaced rear posts and a forward column extending upwardly from said base for supporting said bracket near the upper extremity of said uprights, said posts connecting with the vertical portion of said bracket plate, and said column connecting with the forward end of said horizontal portion of said bracket plate; a cross brace extending from said base diagonally upward to at least one of said uprights to reinforce the same; a hood having a top portion and depending front and end portions; and hinge means within said hood adjacent to the top portion thereof and near the rear of said hood for pivotally mounting said hood adjacent to the top of said posts, the forward end of said hood being adapted to swing downwardly on and rest against said column.

15. A cylinder supporting and protecting device adapted to be located adjacent to a vertical wall, comprising a base for supporting a plurality of upright fluid-containing cylinders; a bracket plate having a vertical portion'adapted to be secured to such wall at a point adjacent to the tops of said cylinders; said plate being provided with a horizontal portion extending forwardly from said vertical portion and passing between said cylinders; a column extending upwardly from said base and connecting with the forward end of said horizontal portion; a cross arm extending horizontally adjacent to the top edge of said vertical portion; and a hood hinged at its rear portion to said cross arm, said hood being adapted to pivot downwardly against said column; said plate and hood cooperating with the upper portions of said cylinders to form a substantially enclosed chamber adapted to house fluid distribution equipment connectible with said cylinders.

16. A cylinder supporting and protecting device adapted to be located adjacent to a vertical walla comprising a base for supporting a plurality of upright fluid-containing cylinders; a bracket plate having a vertical portion adapted to be secured to such wall at a point adjacent to the tops of said cylinders; said plate being provided with a horizontal portion extending forwardly from said vertical portion and passing between said cylinders; a column extending upwardly from said baseand connecting with the forward endof said horizontal portion; a cross arm extending horizontally adjacent to the top edge of said vertical portion; and a hood hinged at its rear portion to said cross arm, said hood being adapted to pivot downwardly against said column; said plate and hood cooperating with the upper portions of said cylinders to form a substantially enclosed chamber adapted to house a pressure regulator secured to said vertical portion and also adapted to house distribution tubing from said respective cylinders; said device including cleats located on the back of said bracket to space said bracket from said wall.

1'7. A cylinder supporting and protecting device comprising a generally elongated base adapted to support a pair of upright gas-containing cylinders; a pair of posts extending upwardly from points spaced longitudinally of the rear edge of said base; a vertical apron extending between said posts near the top thereof; a hood extending between said posts and projecting forwardly therefrom and being adapted when in normal position to cover the top portion of both of said cylinders; a column extending upwardly from the forward portion of said base at a point intermediate said cylinders; and a horizontal plate connecting said apron and said column at a point below said hood; said plate, apron, hood and column, cooperating to form a substantially V enclosed chamber adapted to house a pressure regulator.

18. A cylinder supporting device comprising a base adapted to support a pair of closely spaced upright fluid-containing cylinders; and a panel adapted to extend vertically from said base in the space between said respective cylinders; said panel being provided with means for supporting a pressure gauge with its face exposed outwardly, and said gauge being connected into fluid communication with said cylinders; whereby said gauge indicates a pressure condition of the respective cylinders.

19. A cylinder supporting and protecting device comprising a base adapted to support a pair of upright cylinders adjacent to one another; at least one post extending upwardly from the back edge of said base; a generally horizontal plate adapted to extend forwardly between said cylinders; means for connecting said plate with said post at a point below the top of said post; a column extending upwardly from a forward portion of said base substantially intermediate said cylinders and connecting near its top portion with the front end of said horizontal plate; a hood; and means for supporting said hoodon said post and said column above said plate, said hood and plate cooperating to form with said cylinders a substantially enclosed chamber adapted to house a pressure regulator and distribution tubing from said respective cylinders.

I RALPH C. PIERSON.

WILLIS G. SCHEPMAN. 

